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- Time to Go!
Climate changeis thebiggest global-health threat ofthe 21st century 14 May 2009 http:(/www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0905/09051501 "A major report on managing the health effects ofclimate change, launchedjointlyby 'The Lancet' and University ofthe City ofLondon (UCL) today, says that climate change is the biggest global-health threat ofthe 21st century. " 

### "The UCL team focused on key areas: patterns ofdisease and mortality, food security, water and sanitation, shelter and human settlements, extreme events, and population migration.
Professor Costello says: 'The big message ofthis report is that climate change is a healthissue affectingbillions ofpeople, notjust an environmental issue about polar bears and deforestation. The impacts will be felt notjustinthe UK, but all around the world- and notjust in some distant future butin our lifetimes andthose ofour children.' "
"Carbon pollution causes climate change, whose rising temperatures worsen healthharming air pollution. Fossil fuel-fired power plants are responsible for 40 % ofmanmade carbon dioxide emissions." [NRDC. 3/5/12; Clean EnergyWebpage, Accessed 12/2/11 "Fossil fuels also account for more than So% ofUS global warming pollution. Global warming, ifunchecked, threatens to fundamentally change the planet that has sustained our civilization. In the US, we're already seeing some ofthe effects-wildfires tearingthrough western states, devastating floods in the midwest, and historic droughts in the southeast." GREENPEACE http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/globa1-warmi ng -andenergy/
Carbon and air pollutants like toxic mercury and dirty sootfrom coal plants are linked to asthma attacks, lung disease, and neurological disorders. According to the CleanAir TaskForce's recent study, "The Toll from Coal," coal pollution in the United States results in more than $100 billion annually in health costs. "Stanford University Study Directly Links Carbon dioxide Emissions to Increased Human Mortality. The study concludes that eachincrease of 1degree Celsius or 1.8 degree F. causedby carbon dioxide would result in air pollution thatwould lead annually to about a thousand additional deaths in the US and about 21, ooo deaths worldwide." [Jacobson, M.Z. (2008), On the causal linkbetween carbon dioxide and air pollution mortality, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, Lo3809, doi:10.1029/2007GLo3110L]
Asthma was responsible for 3,384 deaths in the United States in 20054 and it is increasing rather than decreasing.4American Lung Association, Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Research and Program Services. Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality. November 2007. (ALA age group analysis of NHIS through 2005).
Centers for Disease Control and PreventiOn, Vital Signs, May 201l.Asthma http://www.aaaai.org/aboutthe-aaaai/ncwsroom/asthma-statistics.aspx So, I believe, that it is apparent to all ofus here that interventionASAP is called for to stop this road to oblivion.
"The Solutions (GREENPEACE)
With current technology, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal can provide 96% of our electricity and 98% of our total heating demand- accounting for almost all of our primary energy demand. Investing in renewables could jumpstart our flagging economy, creating millions ofjobs that can't be shipped overseas. It could put the US back at the forefront of the 21st century economy, in front of China, which in 2009 became the largest global investor in renewables." Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campa ig ns/globa1-wa rming-and-energy/ Additionally, we also have to improve our energy efficiency as Europe, for example, far outpaces us and therein can we fill the gap ofour energy needs.
So are we going to lead the world community or follow in the wake of countries like Germany and even China? It is time to get ahead of the curve and break the chain of inertia and status quo. Yes, fossil fuel industries will go kicking and screaming off the main stage but alas and alack they have already long overstayed their welcome. The tide is turning as the Heartland Institute's most recent conclave of climate change deniers last week is slated to be the last. The public outcry overcame their concerted farce at keeping retrograde policies in effect.
The question then comes to mind here: Why are we talking about the next 20 coal powered plants coming down the pike? Why are they even in the planning stages? I say NO! Give them some tax deduction incentives and let them be the first to implement Greenpeace's new technology and renewable energy plan! It is time to take our place, in the forefront of energy policy)!: the w9rld.**-~** 'l> 

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### 7, \A)·"-· k..c.-LX, Let's move forward! Let's break these chains of the Big, Dirty Fossil Fuel industry and the downward spiral to self and environmental destruction.